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Thursday, October 25, 2012

Creamy Almond Kale Smoothie

If there was one thing you could do right now to improve your health would you do it? Eating raw cruciferous vegetables daily might be our saving grace in this increasingly toxic world. Cruciferous vegetables will upregulate or "produce" the enzymes your body needs to eliminate environmental toxins and properly metabolize estrogen. They also provide the sulfur, folic acid, and magnesium these enzymes need to function optimally. Worried about cruciferous vegetables causing thyroid problems? If you closely examine the scientific literature, you will see that people who have thyroid issues after eating cruciferous vegetables are iodine insufficient. Eating nori, cooking your beans with kombu, and eating wild caught Alaskan salmon are ways to increase your iodine intake. We (including our children) also take a kelp extract supplement daily. Researchers are now finding that environmental toxicants have a major role in the rise of thyroid related disorders.....so eating raw cruciferous vegetables protects your health on many levels.
This light and creamy smoothie is made with three simple ingredients. It is so easy to make and tastes amazing! I use homemade raw vanilla almond milk which is so flavorful and full of live enzymes. I make it by soaking raw almonds in water for about 24 hours; then I rinse, drain, and blend them with fresh water, a pinch of sea salt, vanilla powder, and a dash of maple syrup. Then all you do is strain the milk though a clean dishtowel or nut milk bag to remove the pulp. You could also use Hemp Milk, cashew milk, or kefir in place of the almond milk.

Creamy Almond Kale Smoothie

This smoothie recipe makes a great after school snack for your children. Serve it with carrot sticks and apple slices. Start with one pear and if you need the smoothie a little sweeter, add part or all of the second pear. If you are following our Elimination Diet you can use this smoothie during Phase 3.

2 cups raw almond milk1/2 bunch kale1 to 2 pears, cored and chopped

Place all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This recipe makes approximately 4 cups. Drink immediately or store in a covered glass jar in your refrigerator for up to 2 days. Source: www.NourishingMeals.com

About the Author

Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University. She is the founder of Whole Life Nutrition, the mother of five children, a whole foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them, and offers elimination diet recipes, healthy gluten-free recipes, paleo and vegan recipes, as well as tips for feeding your family a nourishing, whole foods diet. Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

This looks yummy! I have one similar to this one. My daughter and I had it this afternoon as a snack. DELISH! I just planted some kale in my garden last night! So excited. I love your kale in the rain photo:)

We love kale in our smoothies! And still have five rows in the garden.....although it is going to be in the 20's here tonight. We have a low tunnel all ready to go so we can cover it and keep it growing all winter long. Fresh kale is the best!Thanks for the new flavor idea.Stephanie

Your garden kale looks absolutely lovely and the smoothie awesomely delicious. What type of kale are you growing? Mine has a tendency to get moldy after a few months growing and pruning, etc. Any tips? Thanks!

Off-topic: I'm commenting here as per Dr. Jean Layton's instructions for the giveaway of your new cookbook. I borrowed the book from my library and am extremely impressed with the breadth, depth, and latitude with which it is written.

Monika- I have a recipe in both of my cookbooks for making raw almond milk....but I never measure anything and just throw it all together. Use more almonds and less water for a richer, creamier milk! :)

Cherie- Homemade almond milk and whole almonds are ok for phase 3 of the elimination diet, but not earlier.

Welcome to my blog!

Hi! My name is Alissa Segersten and I've had a love of healthy food and cooking since the age of 10. When I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2001, I diligently began writing down my recipes because so many people would ask for them! Some of these recipes appeared in my first book, The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook. I now have 5 children and am passionate about educating them about our food system so they can make the most informed choices as they grow up and are exposed to a world of processed, chemical-laden foods. Join me in my mission of helping to support families with nourishing meals!